I can do all things…

(Hmm… no discussion about citizenship yesterday. Maybe we’ve said all there is to say on the point on this blog, at least for now.) On Facebook yesterday, I had a discussion with Keith Brenton about Philippians 4:13. He had posted a clip from the upcoming movie “Soulsurfer,” and I made the snide comment: “I can quote all texts out of context through Christ who strengthens me.” Keith pointed out that, despite being misused, that verse has helped a lot of people. [Edit, 9:20 a.m.: I should note that Keith expressed no disagreement with any of the points presented in this blog; his post was merely a springboard for these thoughts.]

I’ll concede that point, yet I’m not sure that the end justifies the means. Quoting words from the Bible because they support some idea we already have seems like a dangerous practice.

Let’s look at Philippians 4. In this part of the chapter, Paul is talking about money, about dealing with abundance and dealing with hardship. Verses 10-12 read

I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.

Then in verse 13 he says, “I can do all through Christ who gives me strength.” The problem, of course, is that just saying “all” in English doesn’t make sense. We have to do something there.

But before we look at that, let’s get the rest of the context, verses 14-19:

Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid again and again when I was in need. Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account. I have received full payment and even more; I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

It’s obvious, isn’t it, that verse 13 is about being able to deal with difficult financial circumstances. So how have different versions translated this verse?

Wycliffe gave it this shot: “I may all things in him that comforteth me.” Yeah, I can see why the KJV revisers saw fit to make that a little more readable. They gave us the famous: “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” That phrasing became so popular that it was copied time and again, from translation to translation, particularly the “all things” part, even though “things” isn’t in the original.

That’s not an unreasonable way to translate this verse. The problem arose not from the translating but from the use given to the words themselves. Stripped from context, the verse came to be an inspiration to mountain climbers and wannabe millionaires, to pregnant moms and fearful soldiers. The fact that Paul was talking about being able to face financial hardship was ignored by the vast majority of the people quoting that verse.

A few translations have tried to help us:

I have the strength to face all conditions by the power that Christ gives me.” (GNT)
Christ gives me the strength to face anything.” (CEV)
Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am.” (The Message)
I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” (TNIV)
I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” (NIV 2010)


Personally, I think that the last two translations are on to something. Using “this” instead of “things” directs people back to the context. It lets them see that Paul has something specific in mind: enduring hardship. It’s not meant as a self-motivation phrase. It certainly wasn’t coined to be used in multilevel marketing seminars. It’s not a pick-yourself-up-by-your-bootstraps aphorism.

It’s about being able to be content with whatever life sends. I can be content with abundance or want, because Christ gives me strength.

When your nephew is going to bat in Little League and his mom says, “Remember, you can do all things through Christ,” don’t feel that you need to stop and have a theology lesson. But now and again, you can remind your friends that this text, like all biblical texts, has a context. Without that context, it’s just a bunch of words.

10 thoughts on “I can do all things…

  1. Nick Gill

    Someone should tell Matthew about the context of that whole, “Out of Egypt I called my son,” gibberish. And while they’re at it, they should also inform Paul that the historical-grammatical method is the only authorized form of exegesis. Then maybe we could be rid of that whole “two women; two covenants” bunch of words that’s so frustrating to comprehend.

  2. Keith Brenton

    You’ll get no argument from me about context, Tim!

    And it would seem that whenever Paul refers to strength that God has given him, it is for the purpose of proclaiming the gospel. But there’s a larger principle in asking for / recognizing God in strength given to us, I think; to me, that’s the underpinning of this and other verses like it. When we persevere, we don’t just chalk it up to our own inner strength / strength of character. We ask for it from God. We recognize it as His gift. We use it to His glory … whether it’s enduring financial hardship (Philippians 4:13) or converting zeal for mission (1 Timothy 1:12) or feelings of abandonment (2 Timothy 4:16-17) or using one’s gifts (1 Peter 4:11). Maybe even for surfing for the Lord (covered by the “all things” of Romans 8:28-37? Or am I completely out of context there?).

  3. Tim Archer Post author

    Keith,

    I’m editing the post to reflect that you had no objections to my comments yesterday. I don’t want to leave people thinking that you were disagreeing with what I was saying.

    I feel good about such a verse being used to talk about perseverance. Had the girl in the clip said that she could face rehab because Christ strengthened her, I wouldn’t have a problem. But I was getting the idea that she was saying that she should be able to surf again because through Christ she could “do all things.” That’s where I quarrel with the concept.

    Grace and peace,
    Tim Archer

  4. nick gill

    Disclaimer: haven’t seen the clip or the film, or even read the book. All I know about the situation comes from vague memories from the news when the incident occurred, and a quick glance at the movie’s wiki.

    That being said, if we’re talking about perseverance, allow me to misquote Monty Python: “Her bleedin’ arm’s off!!!”

  5. Philip Sims

    Great post Tim, in fact so good i am going to steal your thoughts! Well I will give you credit so i guess it’s not stealing. peace
    philip sims

  6. Tim Archer Post author

    Nick,

    Maybe I shouldn’t be so touchy about the use of this verse in this situation. (The clip is here if you want to see it: http://www.soulsurferwave.com/videos-hospital)

    I guess I find that verse used in such flippant ways to say things that Paul was NOT saying.

    On your earlier post, one of the questions in my master’s defense was about the way N.T. writers used the Old Testament. (specifically about 1 Corinthians 10)

    Grace and peace,
    Tim Archer

  7. David Smith

    Well said, brother. Have you seen the CEB’s rendering? “I can endure all these things through the power of the one who gives me strength.” (www.commonenglishbible.com)

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